Identification
Description
This inconspicuous native perennial grows up to 2 feet tall. Alternate leaves are lance-shaped with fine teeth along their margins (A). The greenish-yellow flowers are arranged in a row along 2-3 spreading terminal stalks above the leaves (A,B). Individual flowers consist of a ring of 5 carpels (female flowers) surrounded by 10 stamens with cream colored anthers. The star-shaped fruit turns pink by September (C).
Occurrence
Found in wet places, particularly along stream banks. Flowering occurs from July to September; fruiting in September and October. It is uncommon at Fontenelle Forest along the Missouri River and along Rock Creek at Neale Woods.
Comments
Native Americans used the seeds to make a cough syrup. European settlers had a variety of medicinal uses for this plant, including its use as a laxative.
Botanists have moved this plant around a bit shuffling it among at least 3 families. Presently, the preferred classification seems to be in its own unique family, the Penthoraceae.
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